The ultimate Christmas showstopper dishes

James Evison is Inapub's multimedia and food editor. He tweets @jamesevison. Email: james@inapub.co.uk

24th September 2018

The news that supermarket chain Aldi has launched a footlong pig in blanket got Inapub thinking...what are the ultimate showstopper Christmas dishes?

Here's five ideas that might just make your festive menu sparkle.

1) Edible Christmas Wreaths

This is something of a new trend, and not too difficult to execite.

Try to recrate the one above by bringing a seasonal salad the the table (in this case figs, rocket and goat's cheese) in a ring shape; make it kid-friendly by using marshmallows or grapes or berries, or twist some bread dough together to make it look like the traditional ornament that hangs from a door.

2) Sharing Christmas Pudding

There are some truly astounding examples of massive Christmas puddings out there. Just check this one out below:

Obviously one that isn't the size of your pub would be preferable but for large office and family parties, bringing out a big pudding and lighting it up with booze is a surefire way of getting punters into the festive spirit.

3) Giant Yorkshire Puds

A year round showstopper that should surely have a place on the Christmas menu too - regardless of the 'rules' about what type of meat you should have Yorkies with (any of them, duh).

Serve crispy with lashings of rich gravy. Yum.

4) Christmas fondue

Why not take that Camembert ring to the next level with a Christmas fondue for sharing?

The ultimate treat, and what better way to celebrate the festive period than with a load of melted cheese, bread, beer and wine?

Also, apart from the kit required for the tables, it is a pretty easy dish to put together – but guaranteed to get everyone talking.

5) Multi-bird roast

One for the skilled chefs among you – although ready-constructed options are available from butchers and foodservice firms.

Traditionally, it was a three bird roast, such as a chicken (or turkey, of course) with pheasant and duck but in recent years, pubs and restaurants have been taking it to new heights with multi-bird roasts including partridge, goose, pigeon, and guinea fowl, which can create meat rolls of up to 12 birds.

Of course you may also want to add a chestnut or sage and onion stuffing as well...

Here is Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall's version:

James Evison is Inapub's multimedia and food editor. He tweets @jamesevison. Email: james@inapub.co.uk